Late Push Comes Up Short as No. 25 Indians Fall to Jones in Region Championship

FULTON, Miss. - Itawamba had its chances, and Damarion Winston kept creating them.

Winston poured in 36 points and nearly dragged the No. 25 Indians through overtime Wednesday night, but Jones made the key plays late to pick up the 102-96 win in the NJCAA Region 23 Championship game.

The game turned into a shot-for-shot finish after ICC erased a 13-point halftime deficit with a strong second half push. The Indians scored 46 points after the break, found a rhythm from the perimeter and forced the game beyond regulation at 81-81. From there, though, the Bobcats answered every Indian push in overtime and closed it out at the free throw line.

Winston was the engine all night for the Indians. He went 13-for-21 from the floor, hit a pair of 3-pointers and knocked down all eight of his free throws while adding five rebounds and three assists in 43 minutes. Every time Jones threatened to create separation in overtime, Winston responded.

After the Bobcats opened the extra period with a layup, Winston answered with two free throws to tie it at 83-83. Moments later, after Jones went back in front 88-85, Winston came right back with a three of his own to even the game again at 88-88 with 3:35 left.

That was the tone of the night for the ICC. Every time Jones landed a punch, Winston made sure the Indians were still within reach.

But Jones had one more answer each time down the stretch.

The Bobcats converted a three-point play opportunity early in overtime, then followed with back-to-back baskets during a critical stretch that pushed Jones in front for good. The Indians got within 93-92 after Winston sank two more free throws with 1:59 remaining, but Jones answered again with second-chance points and late free throws to keep the Indians from ever pulling even.

Jason Johnson gave ICC a late lift with an offensive rebound and putback that cut it to 97-94 with 55 seconds left, but the Bobcats answered on the other end with a layup, then closed the final seconds at the stripe.

Tim Holliday added 15 points off the bench. Jaden Harper finished with 16 while DJ Davis scored 13 and went a perfect 9-for-9 at the line. Johnson chipped in eight points and six rebounds, and Dailin Cooperwood added eight boards off the bench.